[3] Orlová is located about 9 kilometres (6 mi) east of Ostrava, in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia.

The couple, seeing a sign from God in this incident, founded a chapel on that spot and later named the subsequent settlement after the eagle (Polish: orzeł, Czech: orel).

The name of Orlova was first used in a document of Pope Gregory IX issued on 7 December 1227 for Benedictine abbey in Tyniec.

After the secularization of the monastery property in 1560, Orlová was acquired by the Cikán of Slupek family, who held it until 1619.

In the early 20th century, Orlová became an important centre of Polish and Czech education and home to many cultural and sport organizations of both communities.

Following the Munich Agreement, in October 1938 together with the Trans-Olza region it was annexed by Poland, administratively organised in Frysztat County of Silesian Voivodeship.

[10] Widespread coal mining, especially during the communist era, had a devastating impact on the town, its buildings and architecture, especially in Lazy.

After the annexation of Horní Lutyně, this plan was changed into the idea of building a large housing estate in this village, which would offer a new home to people from undermined parts of the town and new citizens.

After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, there was a shift away from the town's one-sided focus on coal mining, and revitalization efforts began.

[4] In the Quality of Life Index, which has been comparing the standard of living in the cities and towns of the Czech Republic since 2018, Orlová has always finished in last place out of 206 evaluated.

The town is facing high unemployment and lack of job opportunities, air pollution, insufficient infrastructure, demographic issues and other problems.

The most important landmark in Orlová is the neo-Gothic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built in 1903–1906.

The church complex includes a valuable set of statues with a staircase, and is surrounded by the adjacent castle park.